Clyde Sukeforth

From BR Bullpen

Clyde Leroy Sukeforth (Sukey)

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 155 lb.
• School Georgetown University
• Debut May 23, 1926
• Final Game June 7, 1945
• Born November 30, 1901 in Washington, ME USA
• Died September 3, 2000 in Waldoboro, ME USA

• BR page
• BR Manager page

[edit] Biographical Information

Clyde Sukeforth was a long-time Brooklyn Dodgers scout and a coach from 1943 to 1951 who served as an interim manager for two games. Just before opening day in 1947, Dodgers' manager Leo Durocher was suspended for the season by Commissioner Happy Chandler for associating with gamblers. The Dodgers' replacement, Burt Shotton, was retired and took a few days to report to the team. During the interim, including the first two games of the 1947 season, Sukeforth served as interim manager, giving him the honor of being the first manager of an integrated major league team in the 20th Century.

After leaving the Dodgers, he went on to be a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates coaching staff from 1952 to 1957.

[edit] Additional Reading

• Les Biederman, "Clemente, Early Buc Ace, Says He’s Better in Summer: Puerto Rican Thrills Fans With Throws; Sukey first to Glimpse Clemente," The Sporting News (June 29, 1955), p. 26

[edit] Related Sites

Maine Memory Network: interview with Clyde Sukeforth – audio excerpts

Maine Memory Network: interview with Clyde Sukeforth – complete transcript